For every child, there is a whole team behind them helping them to achieve their goals. Some teams are better than others, but every one wants children to grow up to be happy and successful. Adults want children to have even more opportunities than they had. If a child is an ‘ordinary’ child they have an extensive team on their side. There are parents, then Grandparents, teachers, siblings, friends, coaches and the extended family. With extra-ordinary children, (children that have special needs) that list includes a whole new type of teammates.

     I’ve introduced myself in this column before, but I think it is time to refresh some facts on why I write about the CDC every week. It is because I have first hand knowledge about most of the services that are offered there. I have a daughter, Miranda, who is four years old. She was diagnosed with Down syndrome as soon as she was born. About three hours after the doctor told me the news, the Child Development Centre became a part my child’s team.

     And what a team it is. She has all the regular teammates, but added to that is a physiotherapist, a speech & language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a family services coordinator or an infant development program worker, a respite worker, preschool teachers, a supported child care worker, and soon she will have a skills worker. Miranda is actually very healthy compared to the majority of the children that go to the Centre. Now I find that amazing.

     What I find amazing is that there is a Centre of such excellence in a small community like Fort St. John and that they all put my little girl on their caseload. And most of the caseloads are large. I never hear a therapist say that they have not enough to do. They dedicate their lives to helping the children of Fort St. John and area and that is so nice to know. Sure they get paid for it, but what a job they have. All the therapists love to work with children, but it isn’t easy. Dealing with an ordinary child can be challenging enough, but when you throw special needs into the mix, you are not sure what to expect. But the Centre gets the job done with a smile and a hug.

     It might seem a little elaborate to have so many people working with one child, but these extraordinary children are worth it. They have such a tough road to walk they deserve all the help they get. Nobody asks to become mentally, physically, or socially challenged. It is just one of life’s curve balls that are hurled at us every once in a while. And like most children, all the kids at the Centre just want a chance to get on base so they can run the bases. With the help of their teammates, most of them will surprise us with their home runs!